Standing on the mound, junior Ryan Anderson looked around the field, noticing all the eyes on him. Anderson was one out away from throwing a no-hitter in the opening game of the season for the Falcons.
Turning to the final batter, Anderson’s nerves were at an all time high.
“It was nerve-racking, but I just reminded myself I needed one more out and my defense had my back,” Anderson said.
Striking out the final batter, Anderson completed his no-hitter, one of the first in the state. Anderson’s strong performance helped his team beat county rival Hendersonville, 13-0. According to Anderson the moment ranks as one of his favorite baseball moments all time.
“This was one of the best baseball moments of my life,” Anderson said. “All the congratulations were great, and it was amazing to do it on a stage like that.”
Anderson credited his teammates for their strong play as well, allowing him to settle in and perform.
“My teammates were great. They supported me in every way possible,” Anderson said. “They were great on the offensive end adding some run support. It is great to know they are going to have my back regardless of the outcome”
Starting the season off with a win, the Falcons will hope to build on the momentum. Head Coach Brandon Ball enjoyed what he saw during his team’s first game, a game he believes displayed every aspect of West baseball.
“To come out with the first game in the win column is always great,” Ball said. “To play the way we did, we played West baseball. We won in every aspect of the game, which sets the bar high for the rest of the season.”
After an impressive 15-8 record last season, 8-6 in conference, the Falcons will look to improve this season. The baseball team returns seven seniors and a large number of experienced sophomores and juniors. A program historically known for their dominance in the sport, the expectations have been set high for the team. Anderson believes if his team can continue to play at this level the possibilities are unlimited.
“I think the potential is huge for this team. We want to win 20 games and win a conference championship,” Anderson said. “We have all bought into the season, and we are starting to see results from off season workout and everything we put into this season.”
By: Josh Conner
